The interview is the key to
conducting a successful job search. Therefore, you do not want to
go to an interview without first doing some research and
preparation work. The main objectives are to learn as much as
possible about the position, the people and the company as well as
to receive an employment offer. Remember, without an employment
offer you will not be able to make a decision. The following
interviewing points will help you do the best job of selling
yourself when meeting or speaking with a prospective employer.
Do Your Research.
Learn as much as you can about the company. What are the
products? Annual sales and earnings? Who are the competitors and
market position? Obtain annual report, form 10-K and visit the
company’s website. What is the company culture? Who are the
senior management members?
Telephone Interview.
Your first contact with a company may be via a telephone call.
Be prepared. You should have your resume, job description and
company information with you before you receive the call. Beware
of over-familiarity and you should refer to the interviewer
formally. Allow the interviewer to do most of the talking. Do
not give yes/no answers. Be factual in your answers. Speak
directly into the telephone. Take notes. Remember,
you need to sell yourself on your experience and
accomplishments. You also have to convince the interviewer that
you are worthy of serious consideration and that the company
should meet with you in person to further discuss your
qualifications and how you can contribute to the company.
Be Professional, Confident, Enthusiastic,
Look Your Best. The first impression is a lasting
impression. Make sure you “dress for success. ” You never get a
second chance to make a good first impression. Unfortunately,
most hiring authorities draw conclusions about candidates way
too early in the interview process.
Be Prepared With
Questions. A few examples would be: Why is position
open? What are the demands/challenges of the job? What will be
expected of me? Reporting relationships? Who will I interact
with?
Have Interviewer(s) Do
Most Of The Talking. Have a list of probing
questions pertaining to the responsibilities of the position,
company goals and objectives, organizational structure and
company culture. Don’t be afraid to probe into the duties of the
position When a requirement is mentioned that fits one of your
strengths bring it out. A good question to ask at some point in
the interview is: “how would you describe the ideal candidate in
terms of experience, education, skill and knowledge?”
Energy, Drive,
Initiative. Never compromise on these. They are the
universal traits of success. The key to personal success is to
do more than you have to, so give the interviewer some examples
of your performance related to these qualities.
Trend of Performance
Over Time. Indicate the impact you have had with
your current and previous employer(s). This would include: major
accomplishments, contributions and organizational changes you
have implemented. This is a good time to share what you can do
for the prospective company, namely to duplicate some of your
accomplishments and successes for the new company.
Experience, Education &
Industry Background. Use this along with
the past accomplishments category. Strong education and
experience can sometimes offset a
weaker accomplishment record.
Problem Solving & Thinking Skills. Express
that you have the ability to solve
job-related problems and anticipate what needs to be done.
Management & Organization. If it is a
management level position, mention your understanding of
planning, execution and cost-control, and your ability to
motivate and manage people to get something planned and
completed on time and within budget. Share your management
successes as well as your leadership style and organizational
skills.
Team Leadership.
Describe your ability to tap into and harness the energy of
others to do something or to get people to move in the same
direction. Describe your experience as a member of a team and
how you have influenced, persuaded and motivated others. If you
are a manager, explain how you motivate your immediate
subordinates and also how you motivate people who work in
different departments who are part of a project.
Character: Values,
Commitment & Goals. Summarize your integrity,
honesty, openness and fairness in dealing with others. Express
your commitment to the organization, and have a plan as to what
you can do for the Company.
Body Language.
Watch your body language and maintain good posture. Maintain eye
contact. Learn to read the interviewer’s body language so that
you can determine if you are keeping the interviewer’s interest.
Personal & Professional Strengths & Shortcomings.
Analyze and know your strengths and shortcomings as they relate
to your present job as well as the current position you are
applying for. Also, be willing to admit to any shortcomings
that you have, and be prepared to discuss the steps you are
taking to correct them. Let the interviewer know why you are a
fit for the position.
Stay Positive.
Even if you decide that the position isn’t right for you, never
communicate that during the interview. Once you get home, you
may change your mind. After you have considered it, if you still
feel the position is not a good fit, let us know
(your recruiter) and we can withdraw you gracefully, but
keep the door open for future consideration.
Compensation &
Benefits. Avoid compensation
and benefits discussions. However, if asked about your
current compensation, simply state your base salary along with
any bonus and stock options you are receiving. Do not state your
compensation requirements. Keep in mind, that compensation is
really a function of two things – what you are worth and what
the job is worth. What you do not know yet is what the job is
worth. However, you may want to respond to the compensation
question as follows: “Compensation is extremely important to me,
and I will consider your best offer but what is also equally
important is what I can offer your company and what the future
will hold for both of us in a long term relationship.”
References.
Have available at least three references to present
if requested. These references should include names of
former managers/ supervisors and/or co-workers in previous jobs
who would be willing to discuss in detail your work performance.
Be sure that you have checked with and have gotten approval from
your references to use them; and to have them provide you with
feedback when they are contacted.
Presentation/Seminar.
If giving a formal presentation or seminar, make sure you
establish rapport with the audience. To “break the ice” first
give a brief introduction of yourself i.e. briefly describe your
background and what you are going to talk about and thank
everyone for attending. Engage the people in your talk by asking
them questions about specific points in your talk. Be dynamic
and enthusiastic about the subject. Try to relate your talk to
the needs of the company and what they would like to hear.
Close.
Employers want to hire people who want to work for them. You
should close the interview by indicating your enthusiasm and
interest as well as your confidence in handling the job and
making a contribution. Then ask, “What is the next step?” What
you are doing is asking for feedback and how well you did.
Thank You
Letters.
It is important to send thank you letters to the
people who interviewed you. In this letter, you may want to
point out some of your strong points that were brought out in
the interview; and to express that
you are very interested in pursuing the opportunity.
